‘Incredible people’ - Eddie Howe and Darren Eales bid farewell to five players with a combined 457 appearances

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and CEO Darren Eales have paid tribute to the five players that are leaving the North-East club this summer.

In a club statement, Newcastle have confirmed that long-standing duo Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie, two members of the Championship title winning team are leaving the club, along with goalkeeper Loris Karius, defender Kell Watts and midfielder Jeff Hendrick.

Geordie defender Dummett is Newcastle United's longest-serving current player and will depart 23 years after first arriving at the club's Academy. 

He made his Premier League debut in January 2013 and has amassed 213 competitive appearances, scoring on four occasions and being a consistent performer both as a centre back and a left back.

Ritchie arrived at the club from AFC Bournemouth for a figure of around £12m in July 2016 and, alongside Dummett, played a key role as Rafael Benítez's side won the 2016/17 Championship title.

The Scotland international has appeared for Newcastle United on 215 occasions during eight years on Tyneside, and has scored 25 goals - the last of which was a vital injury-time equaliser against his former club Bournemouth in February 2024.

Reflecting on the pair’s contribution Howe said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to each of the players leaving the club this summer. They have all given so much to the cause in their own ways, and I know our supporters will join me in wishing them every success with the next step in their careers.

"It's easy to judge players by appearances and goals, but the contribution made to the club by Paul and Matt in particular really has been immeasurable over many years. They have had a huge influence on our progress as a team and as a club.

"They have been incredible people and players to work with. Their dedication, professionalism and leadership in the dressing room during my time here has been first class, and they will bring undoubted quality and experience to their next clubs.”

Howe went on to wish academy graduate Watts all the best in his career. The 24-year-old made one appearance in the league from the subs bench during a 4-0 win against Fulham, but has enjoyed steady loan spells at various clubs including Wigan Athletic this season.

“Kell is a top professional with an outstanding attitude, and his next club will be incredibly fortunate to have him.

"I wish the players and their families the very best for the future." Howe added.

Newcastle CEO Eales shared Howe’s sentiment and claimed that all the outgoing quintet would always be welcome at St James’ Park.

Eales added:  "On behalf of everyone at Newcastle United, I extend my sincere thanks to the players reaching the end of their contracts this summer.

"For Paul and Matt, so many years of consistent service as part of the first team squad is coming to an end and I want to pay tribute to them both for their immense contributions on and off the pitch.

"Paul is one of our Academy's great success stories. He is a shining example to young players in this region, and while Matt came to Newcastle through a different path, he will always be an adopted Geordie.

"Paul, Matt, Loris, Kell and Jeff have been consummate professionals during their time here, and I extend my very best wishes to each of them. They move on knowing they will always be welcome at St. James' Park."